Chapter 289 Can you Do me a Favor?
Jack threw his hands up, "Mom, seriously? It was just an accident. Plus, she's got a crush on someone else. I'm not her type, okay?"
Patricia blinked her long lashes, finally getting a clue.
But she wasn't done. "So what? You still got a shot. It's just a crush; they ain't hitched yet. As long as there's no ring, Jack, you still got a chance."
Jessica, standing off to the side, was fidgeting like crazy, touching her nose over and over.
Inside, she was screaming.
Jack groaned, "Mom, why are you so stubborn? I don't get it. Why are you so set on me being with her?"
Patricia shrugged, "No big reason. I just like her and want her as my daughter-in-law."
Jack sighed, "Mom, she's a person, not some prize. Just 'cause you like her doesn't mean she's yours."
Patricia shot back, "I never said that. That's why I'm pushing you to go after her and make her wanna marry you."
After a round of back-and-forth, Jack finally caved. "Alright, I get it. I'll give it a shot."
Jack checked his watch, "It's about time for your beauty salon appointment. I'll have the driver take you."
At the mention of the beauty salon, Patricia grabbed her bag and didn't waste a second.
Before heading out, she turned to Jessica, "Jessica, I'm pretty blunt. Hope you don't mind what I said. When you have time, let's hit the beauty salon together and chat."
She also gave her son a pep talk, "Jack, good luck!"
And with that, Patricia left, looking pleased.
The office went dead quiet.
For a few minutes, neither Jessica nor Jack said a word, both lost in their thoughts.
Jessica took a few gulps of water, eventually draining the whole cup.
After the last sip, she put the cup down, "Dr. Smith, if there's nothing else, I'll get back to work."
"Wait," Jack called out quickly.
Jessica stopped in her tracks.
Jack rubbed his forehead, sounding frustrated, "You heard my mom. She's really into you and wants me to marry you."
Jessica nodded, "Yeah, I heard."
Jack asked, "So what do you think?"
Jessica stayed silent.
Was he serious? What was she supposed to think about this ridiculous idea?
She couldn't just marry him because his mom liked her.
She was dedicated to her job at the hospital. She wasn't about to throw herself into a marriage for it; that was too much.
"Dr. Smith, Mrs. Smith might just be on a temporary kick. Once she finds someone else she likes, she'll forget about me," Jessica said.
"That's not happening," Jack shot back. "In all these years, you're the only girl she's ever liked. Jessica, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"
Jessica got a bad feeling, "What kind of favor?"
"My mom's convinced you're my girlfriend. Could you pretend to be my girlfriend for a bit? It'll give me some peace, and she won't keep bugging me to find someone," Jack suggested.
"Dr. Smith, I get where you're coming from, but no way. I can't do that," Jessica shot back without a second thought.
Being a girlfriend isn't something you can just fake.
She helped Vincent because she had no other choice. He'd saved her butt a few times, and his mom's condition made her feel connected, so she agreed.
But with Jack? No reason to say yes.
Plus, if Gabriel found out, he'd lose it.
Seeing her shut him down, Jack tried again, "Won't you think it over? Even if it's just for show, being my girlfriend could make things easier for you."
Jessica raised an eyebrow, "So, Dr. Smith, you're trying to bribe me with perks?"
"Kind of. You could see it that way. So, will you reconsider?"
Jessica shook her head, standing her ground, "That makes it even less likely. Dr. Smith, I've always admired you for climbing so high at such a young age. In the medical field, you've hit levels most people can't. You're amazing. As a doctor, I respect and look up to you. But if you use your power to tempt or pressure me, then I'm sorry, but I'll have to rethink how I see you."
Jessica's words hit the mark.
Jack chuckled, "Alright, I won't bring it up again. Focus on your work. But I'm curious, who do you like so much that you're not swayed by money and power?"
Jessica looked him straight in the eye, her gaze clear and unwavering, like a polished gem.
"Thanks for the compliment, Dr. Smith. Money and power should never be your priority. There should always be something pure in your heart worth fighting for. For me, that's love, and he's my true love. I don't know about other things, but in my heart, love, family, and friendship are priceless. I wouldn't trade them for anything."
Jack turned away, blinking hard.
Looking at Jessica, he was hit with a wave of old regrets.
He wondered if his first love had been someone like her, would he have been free of emotional scars and fear of love.
But life doesn't do "what ifs."
Seeing him turn away, Jessica quickly realized and softly said, "I'm sorry, Dr. Smith, for bringing up painful memories."
Jack turned back, looking at her calmly. "It's nothing. You're a good person. If you weren't already in love, I might have wanted to give it a shot."
Jessica pretended not to catch the hint.
"Then I'll get back to work."
With that, Jessica turned to leave.
Suddenly, she remembered something and turned back, "Dr. Smith, I have a weird request. Could you do me a favor?"
"Go ahead."
Jessica said, "I think the reason your mom likes me might not just be because of me."
"What do you mean?"
She added, "I remember she looked kinda shocked and surprised when she first heard my name. So I think she likes me because of my name, not because of who I am. If you can, could you find out? I'd really like to know the real reason."
